Why is ethnic politics more violent in Russia than in Canada?

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Why is ethnic politics more violent in Russia than in Canada?

Louise Gouws

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Tutor: Cari Coetzee


Introduction

What factors permit some ethnically segmented societies to avoid large-scale violence while others sink into protracted conflict? A comparative analysis of Canada and Russia will give an inkling of an answer to this question. In this paper the writer will argue that there are three reasons why ethnic politics are more violent in Canada than in Russia. This is a simplification, but the three broad areas will give a basis for the argument. Firstly "Ethnic politics" has to be defined. The three areas, namely history; the different political systems and legislative powers; and the socio-economics of each country will then be discussed briefly. The two countries, Canada and Russia, will be subjected to inferences made on this information.

Ethnic Politics                                        

"Ethnic politics" is a difficult term to define. However, when looking at the dynamics of an ethnic group, it easy to comprehend where the root of ethnic conflict stems from. An ethnic group is defined as:

"A group of individuals having a distinct culture - a subculture- in common. The idea of ‘ethnic group’ differs from that of ‘race’ because it implies that values, norms, behaviour and language, not necessarily physical appearance, are the important distinguishing characteristic. Usually, ethnic groups are thought of as minority groups within another culture" (Athabasca University, 2003).

Thus it is safe to infer that "ethnic politics" is politics concerning ethnic minorities. And "ethnic conflict" is conflict between the governmental body and the ethnic minorities.

Canada

"There are more than 80 ethnic groups in Canada" (Marney, 2001:24). Canada's population can be divided in these ethnic groups: 28% British, 23% French, 15% other European, 6% Asian/Arab/African, 2% indigenous Indian and Eskimo and 26% of mixed backgrounds (U.S. Department of State, 2000:1).

Canada has had its share of ethnic conflict. However, the only two groups engaged in significant conflict, are the Quebecois and the governing English Canadians. The Quebecois have been a part of Canada since the seventeenth century. The English Canadians are mostly descended from English settlers or immigrants who learned try to become more like the English Canadians (Carens, 2000:107). Why then, considering that Canada has 80 different ethnic groups, is conflict between the countless other groups not promoted?

History

Canada is mainly a bilingual state. Most immigrants either try to assimilate to the English Canadians or to the Quebecois. This means that although Canada has 80 different ethnic groups, the groups aren't causing conflict, because of their attempt to fit in with the language and culture of opportunity in Canada and North-America, namely English (Esman, 1994:165).

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The history of Canadian ethnic conflict dates back to 1759. The British army defeated the French in New France's capital city Quebec. The Catholic, French-speaking New France was handed over to the Protestant, English-speaking British crown (Esman, 1994:148).  Quebec was allowed to retain its religious and civil code and Canada was made a confederation in 1867.

In the early 1960s, the Quiet Revolution led to "new assertiveness and heightened sense of identity among the French-speaking Quebecois" (U.S. Department of State, 2000:5). In 1976, the separatist Parti-Quebecois won the provincial election and began exploring a way to get ...

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